as in joining
to become a friend to (someone)
He befriended the new student.
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Recent Examples of befriending
Jingliang Su, a Chinese national, faces almost four years in prison for his role in crypto fraud that relied on befriending Americans on social media, then winning their trust in order to fleece them.
—
Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
The only problem with this whole Hollywood Cinderella story is that Simon is secretly harboring superpowers, a big no-no for the entertainment industry, and Trevor has some ulterior motives in befriending this real-life superhero who wants to play a superhero in a movie.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
Adapting the second installment, which was released in 2014, the movie continues the adventures of Hiccup (Thames), the dragon-befriending Viking who opened up his village to the possibilities of coexisting with the flying, fire-breathing creatures.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 2026
Still, others are happiest at a considered farm stay or upstate hideaway, where the pleasure lies in quiet mornings and befriending animals on the farm.
—Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2025
After meeting and befriending a single mother and her three daughters, Wildhorn begins to open up and regains his passion for writing.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025
Then our hero traps and wounds a Night Fury, a uniquely evasive and dangerous breed of dragon, and winds up secretly befriending it.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
In the book, Ronson recalled befriending Ethan, who at the time was roommates in New York City with Simon Rex.
—Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Players will also be able to create their own legacy by befriending villagers, creating alliances or causing general mischief.
—Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
The only problem with this whole Hollywood Cinderella story is that Simon is secretly harboring superpowers, a big no-no for the entertainment industry, and Trevor has some ulterior motives in befriending this real-life superhero who wants to play a superhero in a movie.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
Adapting the second installment, which was released in 2014, the movie continues the adventures of Hiccup (Thames), the dragon-befriending Viking who opened up his village to the possibilities of coexisting with the flying, fire-breathing creatures.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 2026
Still, others are happiest at a considered farm stay or upstate hideaway, where the pleasure lies in quiet mornings and befriending animals on the farm.
—Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2025
After meeting and befriending a single mother and her three daughters, Wildhorn begins to open up and regains his passion for writing.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025
Then our hero traps and wounds a Night Fury, a uniquely evasive and dangerous breed of dragon, and winds up secretly befriending it.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
In the book, Ronson recalled befriending Ethan, who at the time was roommates in New York City with Simon Rex.
—Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Players will also be able to create their own legacy by befriending villagers, creating alliances or causing general mischief.
—Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befriending
Verb
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School meal bill divides Republicans Shane’s bill passed the Senate on Wednesday by a vote of 22-18, with nine Republicans joining all nine Democrats in opposition.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
15 Feb. 2026
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The informational picket out front of BP Whiting Refinery on Indianapolis Boulevard wasn’t even the 11-year-old’s first time joining the fight for a fair living.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For example, Grab uses AI to automate menu translations in its food delivery app, allowing customers to easily access restaurant menus, even when traveling abroad.—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Terryville resident Chalaine Kilduff and her 2-year-old son Beckham were traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport last December when, like many 2-year-olds, Beckham started to cry during a long travel day.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Additional improvements include new landscaping, pedestrian and bike paths connecting E and H Streets to the existing Bayside Park, picnic tables, benches, shade structures and trees.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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Linda Davis, 52, was in her fourth year teaching special education in Savannah’s public schools and had a gift for connecting with students, her colleagues and family said.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Befriending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befriending. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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